<p>The energy provider's net profit came in at E854.5 million, and EBITDA increased by 25.9%. The improvement was due to the firm's strong domestic performance in the electricity arena, in which core profit jumped 188% to E259 million.<br /><br />However, profits were curtailed by the costs associated with Gas Natural's failed bid for compatriot Endesa. The Spanish firm wrote off E110.9 million in its unsuccessful takeover process.<br /><br />According to Reuters, the company expects gas demand to rise 9.4% in Spain in 2007, while it will add a further 800MW of electricity generating capacity from mid-year. Both of these factors will help to drive profits further in the current fiscal year.</p>
